Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1887-04-23
CHAPTER VIII.
THE GRAVE OF n

Let this chapter be printed within a deep
black border. Let it be in mourning. Let it
be illustrated with all the emblems which
can be gathered together of disgrace and
di honor. The Valley of Tophet, with its
baleful fires, may furnish a frontispicce-
there may be funereal cypress, henbnne,
deadly nightshade, and the poisonous
flowers of marsh and ditch may adorn the
col Of its pages. There should he a
drawing Of Adam turned out Of Paradise,
with portraits of all the most celebrated
renegades, turncoats and traitors, and tho
most eminent sneaks in history. For a man
may do many things wicked and base and
yet find forgiveness; he may drag his name
in the dust, and trample on his self respect,
and give n reia to his passion. and yet be
welcomed back into the world of honorable
men. But the thing which Dick Murridge
did was one which can never be forgiven
him in this world save by the girl to whom
he did this wrong. And she, | think, has
forgiven him already.
He did it on the Tuesday morning, two
days before his week expired. He spent the
whole of Monday in putting his case upon
paper In the form of a report. On Tuesday
he went into town before his father, and on
his arrival followed him into the inner office
with a roll of paper in his hand.
Il think, sir" he said, that have done
all l can in this matter. ! have put down
on paper what l have to tell you-for your
private information
'Do you mean that you have found tho
thief and ~forgerf'
II think l have"
Think! l want you to he sure. And
what do you me IN by talking of my private
information! IL you've got the IN n, I'll
soon show you how private | will keep the
Information"
III you will read these papers
"Afterward Tell me who did it."
swell, then. 1t was-none other-than-
your private c!erk-Norah Cronan."
Dick looked his fa. her steadily in the face,
speaking slowly and deliberately.
~ don't believe it!'-
Mr.. Murridge. sprang to his feet and
banged the table with his fist.
Read these papers, then"
Dick, l don't relieve it! The thing Is
impossible! Where are your proofsf
"Read these papers"
"Norah Cronau! 1t canno. be-"
Dick smiled, as one who is on a rock Of
certainty and can afford to smile.
What nave You always told me, siri
Never trust anybody. Every man is for
himself. Every man has his price. Every
body thinks Of nothing but himself. Very
well, then, remember these maxims before
you say that anyih ng is impo sibie. if you
will read these papers you will find"
Read the paper yourself. Let me know
all that you can prove. Read the paper your
self. Quick"
He threw himself into a chair and waited
with angry light in hi, eye.
Everything happens in the way We least
expect. Dick had made up his mind that he
would lay the paper upon the table with
solemnity suitable 10 the occasion, and then
retire, leaving the document to produce is
natural effect. He further calculated that,
alter reading the paper, his father would
most likely send for him and enjoin him to
say nothing more about the matter. That,
at least, was what he hoped But he had
not expected to tie asked TO read the paper
aloud, and be naturally hesitated. He had
committed to writing an enormous lie, or
rather a chain and series Of lies-all strong,
massive, ~weI.connected, forming together a
tale which, for cowardice and meanness,
never had an equal since the days when men
frat LEARNED to tau IAe swen warns. invsnt